Dr. Ng Chuck Chuan

Recipient of Outstanding Contribution to Environment and Planetary Health 2023

Institution

Seoul National University (SNU), South Korea
National Taiwan University (NTU), Taiwan
The University of Melbourne (UniMelb), Australia

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Phytoremediation - A Nature-based Solution (NbS) for Soil Heavy Metals Pollution

Health, Science and Technology

Dato' Professor Dr. Adeeba Kamarulzaman

Recipient for Year 2022

Something that is worth doing is often tough, but the rewards can be big.

In The Pursuit of Healthier Soil

Growing up in the small town of Georgetown, Penang, Dr. Chuck's interest in soil pollution and bioremediation was solidified during his early undergraduate studies.

Following the completion of his PhD in Applied Environmental Sciences at the University of Malaya, he joined Xiamen University Malaysia (XMUM) in Selangor. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor at the China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences (CAMS), XMUM.

Dr. Chuck will be attached to three institutions internationally namely the Seoul National University (SNU), South Korea; National Taiwan University (NTU), Taiwan; and the University of Melbourne (UniMelb), Australia as he pursues his research entitled 'Phytoremediation - A Nature-based Solution (NbS) for Soil Heavy Metals Pollution’. Phytoremediation, deriving from the words ‘phyto’ meaning plants and ‘remediation’ meaning cleaning, is a type of environmentally friendly technique that uses plants to remove, degrade, or stabilise contaminants, such as metal, in soil, water, or air.

His research aims to address the challenge of heavy metal pollution in soil by using specific types of plants to cost-effectively revegetate contaminated areas. This approach not only promises to tackle societal challenges effectively, but also benefits both people and the environment.

Widening the Understanding of Healthier Soil

Dr. Chuck believes that the soil that makes up our earth is the foundation of life which further emphasises the significance of his research. And if it becomes contaminated, it can lead to detrimental health problems for mankind.

Through his international attachment, Dr. Chuck wants to enhance the efficiency and address limitations of phytoremediation for on-site and off-site remediation in Malaysia, and contribute to the development of baseline data, policy briefs, and guideline recommendations specifically for phytoremediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil in Malaysia.

He is confident that the international attachment resonates with his global outlook and commitment to local action and can be achieved through the transfer of knowledge and technology back to Malaysia.

Which is why, he also intends to organise more community activities focused on the environment, such as interactive outdoor learning to educate young Malaysians on the fundamental soil assessment, emphasising the significance of land rehabilitation and soil restoration in the country.

Enriching the Young Minds for the Good Earth

As a lecturer, he consistently encourages his students to embrace new challenges, a principle he also applies to his research endeavours.

Throughout the years, he has been extensively involved in environmental education initiatives that extend beyond conventional classroom settings, actively participating in citizen-science projects aimed at promoting scientific awareness and improving soil quality in Malaysia. With passion and deep interest as his motivation, he is focused on bringing science to benefit people and society.

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The information in this award recipient's profile is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of the time the award was presented. Any subsequent changes, updates, or developments in the individual's life or achievements may not be reflected in this profile.

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